Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Bo Wahlström Senior Scientific Advisor UNEP Chemicals

SAICM Background In February 2002, UNEP Governing Council decided there is a need for a Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). In February 2002, UNEP Governing Council decided there is a need for a Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). Did not say what a SAICM looked like. Did not say what a SAICM looked like. Requested UNEP to work with Governments, IOMC, IFCS and other stakeholders. Requested UNEP to work with Governments, IOMC, IFCS and other stakeholders. Called for an open-ended consultative process. Called for an open-ended consultative process.

SAICM Background (cont.) 10-member SAICM Steering committee formed in 2002: 10-member SAICM Steering committee formed in 2002: –7 participating organizations of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals or IOMC (FAO, ILO, OECD, UNEP, UNIDO, UNITAR, WHO) –Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS) –UNDP –World Bank GEFSEC agreed to join in December 2003 GEFSEC agreed to join in December 2003

SAICM Background (cont.) World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, September 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, September 2002 –Set a goal of achieving, by 2020, that chemicals are used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment. –Endorsed the development of a SAICM.

SAICM Background (cont.) In February 2003, UNEP Governing Council: In February 2003, UNEP Governing Council: –Agreed to preparatory meetings and the convening of an international conference to adopt SAICM. –Requested the Executive Director to compile possible draft elements. –Proposed holding the international conference in conjunction with the 9 th Special Session of UNEP Governing Council in early 2006.

SAICM Background (cont.) Governing body decisions also taken by WHO and ILO: Governing body decisions also taken by WHO and ILO: –World Health Assembly Resolution 56.22, May 2003 –International Labour Conference conclusion, June 2003

SAICM PrepCom1 First session of the Preparatory Committee - Bangkok, 9-13 November 2003 First session of the Preparatory Committee - Bangkok, 9-13 November 2003

SAICM PrepCom1 (cont.) SAICM PrepCom1 followed on from IFCS Forum IV SAICM PrepCom1 followed on from IFCS Forum IV –Forum IV developed a “SAICM thought- starter”

SAICM PrepCom1 (cont.) About 500 participants representing: About 500 participants representing: –127 Governments; –19 intergovernmental organizations; and –60 non-governmental organizations and umbrella networks

SAICM PrepCom1 (cont.) Multi-sector participation is a key feature of SAICM

SAICM PrepCom1 (cont.) Dr Halldor Thorgeirsson (Iceland) elected President Dr Halldor Thorgeirsson (Iceland) elected President 4 Vice-Presidents from Croatia, Nigeria, Thailand and Uruguay 4 Vice-Presidents from Croatia, Nigeria, Thailand and Uruguay

SAICM PrepCom1 (cont.) The Committee adopted an overarching SAICM goal from the (WSSD) Johannesburg Summit Plan of Implementation: The Committee adopted an overarching SAICM goal from the (WSSD) Johannesburg Summit Plan of Implementation: –to achieve, by 2020, that chemicals are used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment

SAICM PrepCom1 (cont.) The structure of the eventual SAICM itself is not yet agreed but there was preliminary support at PrepCom1 for a tripartite document: The structure of the eventual SAICM itself is not yet agreed but there was preliminary support at PrepCom1 for a tripartite document: –a high-level political declaration –an overarching chemicals policy –a global programme of action

SAICM PrepCom1 (cont.) Discussion on possible SAICM elements was organized by the President as follows (with not all topics addressed at PrepCom1): Discussion on possible SAICM elements was organized by the President as follows (with not all topics addressed at PrepCom1): –Statement of political strategic vision –Statement of needs –Goals and objectives –Principles and approaches –Scope –Scientific activities in support of decision-making –Concrete measures –Coordination –Capacity, resources & development –Implementation and taking stock of progress

SAICM Next steps Prepcom2 is tentatively scheduled for Nairobi 4-8 October Prepcom2 is tentatively scheduled for Nairobi 4-8 October or 2 more PrepCom sessions will be needed. 1 or 2 more PrepCom sessions will be needed. The “international conference on chemicals management” (ICCM) will be held in conjunction with the 9 th Special Session of UNEP Governing Council in early The “international conference on chemicals management” (ICCM) will be held in conjunction with the 9 th Special Session of UNEP Governing Council in early There will be regional consultations. There will be regional consultations. Fundraising will be a critical factor in maintaining the momentum of SAICM. Fundraising will be a critical factor in maintaining the momentum of SAICM. PrepCom1 requested the secretariat to undertake certain inter-sessional work in consultation with the President. PrepCom1 requested the secretariat to undertake certain inter-sessional work in consultation with the President.

Conclusions SAICM is on track for adoption in early 2006 SAICM is on track for adoption in early 2006 It will hopefully: It will hopefully: –Identify priority areas for better achieving the sound management of chemicals. –Better integrate and coordinate among related ongoing chemical safety activities –Promote multisectoral cooperation –Involve the aid community at both the donor and recipient side –Better make the connection between chemical safety and sustainable development

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